Field impressions and Sample Shots

While the lens didn't totally convince under lab conditions the field performance
was actually very decent when bypassing the critical aspects. Surprisingly the lens
was quite resistant to flare showing only a few ghostings and a controllable loss of contrast.

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Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D200

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

18.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/8.0 @ 1/125s

Size

2613x3898

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D200

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

24.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/8.0 @ 1/750s

Size

2613x3898

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D200

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

200.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/8.0 @ 1/200s

Size

2613x3898

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D200

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

60.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/10.0 @ 1/180s

Size

2613x3898

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D200

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

18.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/11.0 @ 1/50s

Size

3898x2613

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D200

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

200.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/11.0 @ 1/160s

Size

3898x2613

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D200

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

200.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/5.6 @ 1/250s

Size

2613x3898

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D200

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

18.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/10.0 @ 1/160s

Size

3898x2613

Verdict

Regarding some glowing reviews available on the web the expectation were rather
high. Unfortunately the (tested sample of the) Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G
IF-ED VR DX wasn't able to convince completely. Weak points are rather hefty
distortions and high vignetting (@ f/3.5) at 18mm. Apart from a few weak spots
the resolution figures are quite good though and it is possible to get very decent
images from this lens under field conditions.
The VR can surely help to save the day in situations where similar zooms must fail utterly
The build quality is a
little soso for a lens in this price class and probably the biggest disappointment.
All in all the Nikkor is a highly interesting lens but not without flaws (hardly
surprising for a 11x zoom).